First Class Back at the Pilates Studio

I usually ignore the Reformer because I had the use of it at the gym. Without a gym membership now, I kinda miss it. Hahaha. However, gym group reformer classes are never as precise and beneficial as a private class. Most of all, it's the Pilates Chair and the ultra-beneficial in-person corrections that I've sorely missed. Virtual pilates classes at home can only be in the form of Mat, or on the Arc. Classes are a sweaty business. I prefer exercising out on the patio, and loads of effort has to be put in. It's an absolute workout. K doesn't let up online either! Side planks and mountain climbers galore! 

Now that we're back in the studio, K wouldn't go easier on me. I 'regret' telling her about my new-usual exercise routine, which includes more regular 5km runs at a faster pace, and krav maga classes which incorporate HIIT now that we can't do much sparring with other humans. It has only encouraged K to formulate tougher workouts for me. She has a disgusting habit of making me do dips, press-ups and planks. Ugh. I like a challenge, but I'm not exactly hardworking. I'm quite lazy. 😉

First class back in the studio and it was brutal. She killed my obliques with crazy side bend holds. Then we went into many long minutes of planks, press-ups and the most brutal of all was the Balance Control Front on the Reformer. Holding the plank with resistance, and then sliding the carriage up and down extra slowly to K's evil counting left me struggling to seek strength deep within my core. It's incorrect to solely using arm strength to move that carriage. That strength has to spiral up from the abs to the lats and shoulder blades. I woke up the next day with DOMS. 😐 My body actually ached for a day. Wow. The muscles had really gone to sleep during lockdown. While the very portable Arc is useful, the Reformer and the Chair will utilize the muscles in a different manner although the same exercises are done.